Pacquiao, Marquez reach initial agreement: report

ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines – The camp of Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez have reportedly reached an initial agreement for a November 10 fight, according to an online report.

Fight News reported that Marquez and his handler, Zanfer Promotions, concurred with Top Rank for a fourth fight between the two boxers.

The boxing website cited a source who indicated that Marquez met with Zanfer Promotions in Mexico City. It was at this meeting where the Mexican counter-puncher agreed with the initial conditions of the fight.

Pacquiao is apparently forgoing his initial plan to get his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown back from Timothy Bradley as the Filipino targets a lucrative bout against Floyd Mayweather in 2013.

Marquez, the current World Boxing Association lightweight champion and WBO super lightweight champion, fought Pacquiao thrice with the last bout taking place last November.

In 2004, the Mexican salvaged a draw despite being knocked down thrice by Pacquiao in the first round. Pacquiao then got back at Marquez in 2008 by edging the Mexican in a split decision. And last November, the Filipino won again over Marquez via a unanimous decision.

Marquez is just one of the three candidates eyed to face Pacquiao on November 10. The other fighters who are being considered are Bradley and Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico.

Bradley wrested the WBO welterweight title from Pacquiao via a controversial split decision win last June.

On the other hand, Cotto fought and lost to Pacquiao in 2009. The Filipino halted the Puerto Rican star near the end of the 12th round.